Warning as firefighters set to strike over nine days in Cornwall

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is again asking the public to be extra vigilant and careful after confirmation from the Fire Brigades Union that its members will be taking part in strikes over nine days, with the first from 10am to 7pm on Thursday.

The FBU has also decided upon further strike action from 6am to 8am and from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, July 14, Tuesday, July 15, Wednesday, July 16, Thursday, July 17 and from 6am to 8am on Friday, July 18, 11pm to 1am on Saturday, July 19, from 11pm to 1am into Sunday 20 July and from 5pm to 7pm.

On Monday, July 21 crews will strike from 6am to 8am and again from 5pm to 7pm.

Following the final period of strike action detailed above, action short of a strike will commence until further notice. There is no indication at present of what that will consist of.

CFRS Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury said: “Our contingency plans were tested during the last periods of strike action and we are currently updating the details of those plans to ensure that once again we remain focused on public and firefighter safety; providing the best service to the people of Cornwall within the limitations of the resources available to us and ensuring a quick return to normalisation.”

CFRS is asking people to act on key critical safety messages:

• In the event of fire, you should get out, stay out and call 999 – you will get an emergency response.

• Make sure you have smoke alarms on at least every level of your home

• Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they’re working. Test them regularly

• Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully

• Plan your escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out in a fire

• Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended

• Do not overload electrical sockets. Watch out for faulty and over-heating electrical equipment, and wiring/cables

• Drinking alcohol? Plan how to get home safely without driving.

Prevention advice and guidance has been prepared for businesses and residents on the website – www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire.

Des Tidbury adds: “This is a national dispute between members of the Fire Brigades Union and the Government over proposed changes to pensions and is not directed against Cornwall Council or Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. While the strike action will inevitably have an impact on the services we provide, I want to reassure you that residents in Cornwall will not be left without emergency cover in life threatening situations.”